Author: Samantha

Cozy Up
November 2, 2010

It’s officially fall and that means lower temps and cozier duds than usual. Switching from fun hot weather gear to bundles and layers is seldom fun, but it must be done in order to combat the weather. Here’s a look at the coolest pieces that will keep you toasty for the next few months.

Inject brights with a striped drape sweater. It can be worn on its own over a tank with skinny cargo pants or peeking out from a heavier jacket or coat for a flash of color.

Sweatpants have gone chic with streamlined versions that boast a roomy leg that still looks put-together. Wear this new spin on classic gray sweatpants with a silk tank top and fuzzy sweater or motorcycle jacket and platform boots to look warm yet sleek.

Shorts are fit for fall and winter when they’re black, wool and boast a high waist. Dress these up for the office with a cardigan and skinny belt or work them on the weekends with a fair isle sweater and ankle boots.

Add texture and warmth with cashmere blend leg warmers. Worn over tights or leggings, they add an extra layer and can be worn over the knee or scrunched mid-calf for a fun play on texture.

Shake up your neutral shoes by adding blush, taupe or olive green into the mix. These suede booties have moccasin-style detailing and a stacked heel and traction sole that makes trotting around the city easy, even during harsh weather.

Feel It
October 13, 2010

This fall is all about texture. From patent to leopard to faux furs and sequins, it’s all about mixing up textures to create a sophisticated look that can go anywhere. The great thing about pieces that are heavy in texture is they can be dressed up or down. Don’t be shy to wear sequins for day and nubby knits for night.


Faux fur is hot for fall. Throw on a statement coat and you’re good to go, even on lazy fashion days. This checked print faux fur coat will add serious impact to a tunic and leggings for a casual outfit, but can also top a cocktail dress, tights and heels when going to a snazzy event.


Go casual with this faux shearing lined jacket. Shearling was all over the runways for fall, but if the real deal isn’t in your price range, check out super soft faux versions that achieve the same look. While we’d never advocate denim-on-denim, this denim jacket works with cords and twill trousers.


A sequin accessory, like this sequin vest, is a great way to add flash to any look. This vest can peek out from beneath a long grandpa cardigan in the day and be worn over your favorite LBD in the evening. Sequin accessories are also an easy way to get in the trend without investing in a sequin blouse or pants, which are exclusively for those who love the limelight.


Incorporating items that have the look of texture is a great route to go for the office. Work a Mad Men-worthy suit with these fence print tights and classic pumps for a fashion-forward look that can go from 9-5.


These boots are for the bold. Goat hair hangs off the calf-length boots for an urban Yeti look. Wear them with all-black for day and a shot of sequins and major faux lashes when rocking them at night.

Call of the Wild
September 1, 2010

With the ladylike touches that showed up on the FW 2010 runways, it’s no wonder that animal inspiration of all types are back in a major way. From subtle snow leopard to bold faux fur, there’s a way to wear the wild trend no matter what your style is.

Shield yourself from the sun with these dramatic sunglasses that boast an animal print. Pull on a trench coat, skinny jeans and knee-high boots and you’re the toast of the town in the most effortless chic way.

Add some glamour to your look with a faux fur shrug. Just a simple shrug is all you need to take your favorite little black dress from nice to plain ol’ fabulous. Black goes with everything. Don’t reserve the fur shrug only for cocktail hour. It looks amazing over a long sleeved T-shirt and skinny jeans too.

Make an all-black ensemble pop with an animal print scarf. For day toss it on over a gray blouse and black trousers and for night, drape it across a fitted sheath dress and metallic accessories.

If the standout leopard prints aren’t for you, reach for a subtle version like this easy draped dress. This one has cutout shoulders for a sultry spin, but they can be easily covered with a cardigan for the office. Add black tights and basic pumps and you’re good to go.

Animal prints can even go casual with a big slouchy bag. This leopard print bag can be worn cross-body when you’re trotting around the city and carried tote-style when you’re traveling.

Getaway
August 11, 2010

The heat has us boiling and you’re probably hankering for your own getaway. Whether you have the budget and time to hit a small island or make reservations for a hotel room with a rooftop pool, you’ll want to look fabulous as you battle the humidity and sun in style. Here’s a look at the items you need to look great while lounging near water.

Get glam with a bold print caftan or cover-up that can double as a dress for getting to and from the water destination of your choice. Look for a deep V-neck if you plan on wearing your cover-up while lounging so it shows off a hint of your swimwear.

A chic one-piece is a must. Even if you’re a bikini girl at heart, a one-piece is essential when sunning with the in-laws or work buddies. Look for whimsical details like ruffles or ruching to add texture without making the swimsuit too sexy.

Ditch the round, old Hollywood sunglasses that have reigned for seasons for a pair of square or cat eye lenses. The modern shape is perfect for looking cool and pulled-together when soaking up the sun.

Brighten up with a large bag that can work double duty as a day bag and a bag for hitting the pool or beach. Choose an affordable bag in a bright hue like this yellow with summer-oriented details like woven accents.

Finish off your fun-in-the-sun look with http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/93747glitzy flat sandals. There’s no room for flip-flops when you’re trying to look chic. Go for sandals that are flat and nude with a few jeweled embellishments for a glow.

Hot Child in the City
July 7, 2010

With the temperatures rising, there’s no better time to grab a few pick-me-ups that will help you beat the heat and look cool doing it. Focus on easy everything, from separates to makeup and you’ll be able to enjoy the season without breaking a sweat.

Keep cool in a loose tank with a fun print. Tie-dye screams summer and this fluid tank top can be worn over shorts during the day and with cropped skinny jeans and a strappy shoe for evening.

Utility shorts are the way to look and feel cool for those ultra hot summer days. Go for a neutral shade like army green and pockets to add a hip feel to basic tops and sandals.

Elongate legs with a pair of flesh-toned sandals, which add warmth to the skin. These can be your go-to sandals for summer, as they work with the most casual outfits and translate to evening with maxi dresses and loads of gold jewelry.

Embrace color with a shockingly bright handbag. Function is key, so look for something that can be worn cross-body style and is large enough to pack warm weather goodies like a bottle of water, magazines and your iPad.

The last thing you want in the summer is to feel hot and sticky. Look for a scent-free, lightweight lotion that will keep your skin glowing without an overpowering scent that’s greasy or heavy.

Stay Cool
June 17, 2010

Summer is scorching, so how can you stay cool? With lightweight fabrics, easy separates and non-nonsense beauty products that will have you feeling the relaxed vibe of the season.

This summer block out the sun with an angular pair of sunglasses that make a statement.

You can’t beat the heat, so embrace cream formulas for a sheer wash of color across the lids. Use a primer so the color stays put and then use your finger to blend a cream shadow over the lids for quick makeup that will pop on a hot day.

Cool down this summer with an open weave sweater. If you’re near the water, the temperature can drop. An open weave sweater will provide ventilation and also add texture to any look. Throw it over your bikini in the day and layer over a tank dress and wear architecture-inspired shoes to sport it at night.

Swap your basic denim shorts for a cool print pair of shorts or a skort (that’s right!) that can be worn 24/7. Look for twill or linen blends for a lightweight fabric that can easily be dressed up or down with the change of accessories. This playful zebra print skirt works with a burnout tank top and gladiator sandals for day and can work with a black silk tank and bold wedges at night.

Your go-to leather flats can look stuffy during the hot summer months. Go casual chic with canvas slip-ons that keep your feet cool. Plus, these will protect your feet from city sidewalks and grime.

May Flowers
May 3, 2010

Spring has bloomed and with that comes floral prints and flower adornments popping up on everything from vintage-inspired dresses to accessories. There are so many options on the market for spring that even those who find themselves running from girlie girl duds will embrace the whimsical details that are fresh for the season. Balance florals with chambray, khaki and rinsed denim for a modern take on the trend.

Go for a fluid look that isn’t over-the-top with this loose floral print tank dress. Wear it for day with a pair of neutral gladiator-style sandals and kick it up a notch for evening by adding a black leather jacket and shoe-booties. Take advantage of the season and let humidity serve as a styling product to make waves in your hair soft and touchable.

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw with this vintage-inspired strapless frock. The pale pink color suits any skin tone and the subtle floral print is easy for any figure to wear. If your summer vacation takes you exploring a big city and wear it in the day with a pair of flats, and swap the flats for strappy metallic sandals for a polished evening look.

Go floral just on bottom with this adorable print skirt. The slight fullness creates a feminine shape. Tuck in a chambray button-up, add flats and a big tote for a chic casual look that will work for summer errands or catching coffee with friends.

When your hair just will not behave, slick it back into a chignon. Use some styling cream and coil hair at the nape of the neck. To add some glamour in a hurry, add this elastic headband. To avoid looking like a Blair Waldorf clone, bring the flower adornment down so it peeks from the bottom side of the head as opposed to sitting up top.

Wear the flower trend on your feet with these light and lovely flats. Flats protect your feet from the grime that is city sidewalks and a light hue adds a spring-y feel to any outfit. Try these with a shirt dress or a tank and high waist full skirt.

Spring Fling
April 5, 2010

It’s official! Spring has decided to come early this year and we couldn’t be happier. Bust out your bright shades and your floral prints because this season, nearly anything goes as long as not basic.

Print Out – A dress is a dress, but for spring choose a bold print. If you’re scared of prints or aren’t used to wearing color, go with a classic cut like this empire waist dress. It’s a classic shape that flatters many figures and the splash of color gives it an update.

The Bangles – Add some glamour to any outfit with a stack of bangles. Luckily, the trend is so hot they come in the bundle – and cheap. Pile ‘em on with a tank and light jeans or a column-style cocktail dress. You can even go glam in your swimsuit, just don’t forget the oversized sunglasses to go with.

Skirt The Issue – We aren’t usually one to take style cues from reality TV stars, but a certain California girl has us loving high waist skirts for spring. Choose one that’s full of color or texture, or both! Wear it with a cotton tank tucked in and flat sandals for day, and swap to a silk racerback and strappy platforms for night.

The Big Drop – Because being out in the sun can mean frizzy hair and massive flyaways, pull your hair back into a chignon. If you feel this is too simple, accessorize with large drop earrings that will show you mean business in the style department. While gold and silver are obvious choices, we’re fans of drop earrings that incorporate various colors and textures.

Get Cross – With the fabulous weather, you can’t be bothered to lug around a satchel. Structured bags feel overdone this time of year, so feel in tune with the season by sporting a cross-body bag. This leaves your hands free to wield everything from a bicycle to an ice cream cone, while having all of your essentials handy.

In Translation
March 2, 2010

Slowly the snow is melting away (too slowly, if you ask us) and we can begin to shed the layers that have kept us warm for the past few months. Transition season allows you to experiment with nearly all facets of fashion, since there’s nothing iconic that reads in-between weather. Mix florals with fuzzy texture, dark colors with light, and ease your beauty routine into spring for a look that’s fresh and easy as we coax in the warm temperatures.

Tied Up – A trench is essential for transition weather. They’re easy to layer pieces underneath without adding all of the bulk of a coat. Look for a trench with strong details like studs or gorgeous buttons, which can be worn with a pair of skinny jeans and flats for a chic look while running weekend errands.

’80s Baby – Yes, the neons are still everywhere and will become a mainstream trend this spring and summer. Sport the look now with black, and transition to spring by adding neutrals like pale gray and warm beige. Don’t be afraid of wearing neon separates. This adds a casual luxe vibe to your wardrobe that will update simple pieces. The soft draping of this skirt make it suitable for day and night.

Flat Out – Slouchy flat boots will protect your feet when showers hit. Keep the shaft shorter to avoid the look of heavy winter boots, and a neutral shade like beige or olive will lighten up any outfit with a dash of subtle color. Even if you keep with your dark colored pieces through the spring, the shot of light shoes will keep things in tune with the coming season.

Tailor Made – Tailored shorts can work over tights while it’s cool out, and with bare legs once the weather warms up. To keep them neat, stick to ballet flats, versus sandals. These shorts are treated with a lace overlay, perfect for trying out with a silk tank and knit cardigan to play with texture.

Cross Over – A bag that can be carried multiple ways is functional for transition season. Toss it on messenger-style while you’re still wearing layers, and take a lighter approach by tossing it on the crook of your arm once you’re sporting sun dresses and tank tops.

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